Letter 9014: Ad Chrodinum ducem

16 To Chrodinus, the duke [military commander] Illustrious duke, made known by your merits throughout the whole world, whom a brilliant report proclaims exceedingly distinguished, let me not pass over your lofty praises, Chrodinus, lest I alone seem to keep silent about great things to the good. The land of Italy applauds you, and Germany alike; your praise forever resounds in the mouth of all. Renowned from men of old, yet nobler still by a worthy birth, you were one destined to please both kings and the fatherland. Some confess you their guardian and foster-father, and there arises a rivalry over your devotion. So that others may possess them, you refuse your gifts to no one: you increase the more for yourself the wealth that you so freely pour out. The one to whom you can grant a favor you gladly seek out, and you wish that you might be near to all: these you make to be your own. You are a good shared by all, a burden to none, fair to everyone; no plunder holds you, the companion of justice. Gentle in speech, calm, dignified, and modest, to whom all things have been given, that you may bear every honor. Bound to the [foreign] peoples, you are held dear by the Romans, fortunate are you who forever remain upon the lips of the nations.

XVI Ad Chrodinum ducem Inclite dux, meritis totum vulgate per orbem, quem nimis egregium splendida fama refert, non ego praeteream praeconia celsa, Chrodine, ne videar solus magna silere bonis. Itala terra tibi, pariter Germania plaudunt, laus tua cunctorum semper in ore sonat. clarus ab antiquis, digno generosior ortu, regibus et patriae qui placiturus eras. te tutorem alii nutritoremque fatentur et fit certamen de pietate tua. ut habeant alii, nulli tua dona recusas: tu tibi plus auges quas bene fundis opes. cui possis praestare, libens exquiris, et optas, ut sis apud cunctos: hos facis esse tuos. es generale bonum, nulli gravis, omnibus aequus, iustitiae socium nulla rapina tenet. mitis in alloquio, placidus, gravis atque modestus, omnia cui data sunt, ut decus omne geras. gentibus adstrictus, Romanis carus haberis, felix qui populis semper in ore manes.